HONG KONG, July 2, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Harvey Nash, the leading executive search and leadership consulting firm and The University of Hong Kong, HKU Business School have announced the third instalment of the Women's Directorship Programme (WDP) to be held in Hong Kong in October (9-11th) and November (13-15th) 2014. The international board preparedness programme, exclusively for women, was created in answer to the worldwide business community's call to tackle the existing gender imbalance in boardrooms.
With less than 10% of women represented at board level positions internationally, despite comprising over 45% of the global workforce, gender balance progress is stalling. Barriers to change include the existing entrenched male networks and the perceived lack of visible female talent.
The answer lies in enhancing the confidence of female leaders and working to raise their visibility on a global scale.
Harvey Nash and HKU created the certificated Women's Directorship Programme in early 2013, with a view of enabling participants to be effective board members and to increase the supply of board-ready women executives across geographies and business sectors.
The programme is led by international faculty members of HKU and consists of real life case studies and thought leadership delivered by guest speakers. The involvement of senior business leaders sets the programme apart, providing unprecedented levels of access to their boardroom insights and experiences. Confirmed guest speakers include:
- Sir Roger Carr, Chairman of BAE Systems
- Anne Minto, INED of Shire and Tate & Lyle
- Donald Brydon, Chairman of Sage Group and Royal Mail
- Dr. Raymond Ch'ien, Chairman of Hang Seng Bank and MTR
- Rick Haythornthwaite, Chairman of Centrica and MasterCard
Kirti Lad, Director of the Board Practice, Harvey Nash Executive Search Asia Pacific said: "Diversity of thought is an essential part of board governance, and balanced boards are proven to result in greater business success. Through the Women's Directorship Programme we are committed to unlocking the talent pipeline and empowering female leaders to gain the confidence and skills needed to secure board positions."
Through the distinguished alumni programme the participants have access to on-going support, and benefit from a global network of peers and senior business leaders.
See full press release here or visit www.wdpglobal.com